But businesses in the 22-block area of downtown are concerned about costs.

Attorney William Slack, speaking for the business owners, pointed at the guideline's author, Paul Simo, when he addressed the council.

"I don't need him to legislate what we need to do," he said.

Business owners were concerned about requirements increasing the cost of maintenance and repairs and the challenge of selling property to buyers who don't want to comply with the rules. Slack suggested the city could subsidize changes if it wanted to require improvements.

Simo said existing buildings would be grandfathered in and the rules would apply only to business owners when they apply for permits to build or modify in the zone.

"It will not cause a police force that comes out and tells people what color they can paint things," Simo said.

In the end, council members voted to delay their decision until they and business owners had time to digest the 100-page document. Council members Wayne Swanson an Andy Arnold suggested that Edgemon take the plan to business owners in the district and get a response from each.

"Eveything you're saying is wonderful," Swanson told Simo and Edgemon. "The merchants are the most important thing in our city. When they sign it, we'll know where they stand."